One of Denmark’s leading label converters, FlexoPrint AS, part of the Optimum Group of 19 companies spread across four countries, has installed a second Mark Andy Digital Series press at its headquarters in Randers.  The latest Digital Series HD UV inkjet/flexo line was chosen for being a ‘true hybrid’ according to CEO Lars Ole Nauta.

“We know the flexo process well and see UV inkjet as a stable production platform and the best match for the quality our clients’ demand.  To be able to secure the best of both from one manufacturer made the initial choice of Mark Andy an easy one back in 2018, and as the first press has performed well, the new Digital Series HD version was the obvious way to go,” Nauta says.

The latest 13” (330mm) Mark Andy has a five-color digital engine (CMYK + W) followed by two flexo print units. Fitted with two Vetaphone corona stations and a Teknek web cleaner, it also has cold-foil capability and a vertical semi-rotary die station.  Designed for high-quality and high-productivity with both flexo and UV inkjet technology being native to Mark Andy, it is capable of printing and converting at speeds up to 73m/min, including monochrome VDP.  Usefully, its modular design and construction permits changes to specification as the market requires.  For instance, additional digital colours can be added up to a total of eight, and flexo stations and converting units can be added at virtually any point in the line.

Currently, Optimum Group Nordic employs more than 190 people across five sites in Denmark that include the main one in Randers, and others in Copenhagen, Odense, Silkeborg, and Hinnerup. “We believe that to offer a high level of customer service we need to be close to them, both geographically and commercially.  Each of our five sites has its own specialist capabilities so we can satisfy demand for almost any type of label,” he says. 

These include a wide range of single and multi-layer labels and tags on a variety of substrates from self-adhesive stock to film and foil, in up to eight colors.  “The first Mark Andy Digital Series showed us the additional products we could offer our customers, and the second machine has enhanced that with improved quality and performance that we can now go out and sell to the market,” he adds.

The company’s business has been built on medium to long run work for large international commodity companies, where high levels of added value techniques are not always needed. This bucks the trend that many label converters are experiencing, where runs lengths are declining, and more complex labels are in demand. 

“We are a highly commercial operation and see our job portfolio as a fundamental strength but are also aware of the variety and diversification that digital capability brings.  What we especially like about UV inkjet is the colour consistency, where the last label is identical to the first – something we are unable to achieve with other technologies,” Nauta says

One unusual aspect of FlexoPrint’s use of its Mark Andy digital hybrids is the fact that no colour adjustment is made on-press, with total reliance being on the quality of the pre-press.  “This makes repeat work so much easier and is our version of LEAN operations.  Around 70% of our customers supply us with files that go direct to production without any need for proofs.  What they send is what we print and deliver – and you can only do that digitally with inkjet technology,” he concludea.

Also drawing comment from Lars Ole Nauta is the beneficial effect of his longstanding relationship with Joakim Marcusson of Convertec, Mark Andy’s agent in Scandinavia. He adds, “When you are investing in new technology you need to have the support of someone who knows your business and is committed to providing back-up when needed.  Joakim and both Tom Cavalco and Phil Baldwin at Mark Andy know our business well, so we trust their judgement and value their advice.”